We are the champions! Jubilant Ranchi Rhinos beat Delhi Waveriders to win Hockey India League

Deafening chants of 'Ranchi Ranchi' virtually brought the stadium crashing down, but the thousands of people gathered in Ranchi had every reason to celebrate.

The Ranchi Rhinos had won the inaugural season of the Hockey India League. Not only did they win the final at home, but the 2-1 victory will also taste sweeter because it came against the most dominant team of the tournament, Delhi Waveriders.

Earlier, VR Raghunath struck four times, including a golden goal, through penalty corners to secure third place, edging out Jaypee Punjab Warriors 4-3 in a thrilling contest.

The final was always expected to be a mouth-watering clash between the two best sides of the tournament, but the occasion brought the best out of the Rhinos.

The 'Rhino' warriors: Players of Ranchi Rhinos celebrate their victory after winning the final match of Hockey India League against Delhi Waveriders in Ranchi on Sunday

Young Manpreet Singh will be remembered for quite some time for what he did when the match looked set to be heading for extra time with both the teams locked at 1-1 in the 64th minute.

Creating opportunities is one thing, but capitalising on them is what separates the best from the rest. After Ashley Jackson's drag-flick was deflected by a Delhi rusher, Manpreet jumped on to the scene and smashed a low hit into the cage.

The goal turned out to be the decisive one as it won his team not only the title but also a cheque of Rs 2.5 crore.

Hero of the day: Ranchi's top scorer Mandeep Singh is carried by teammates

The Delhi team took home Rs 1.25 crore, while the third placed Uttar Pradesh Wizards were rewarded with a cheque of Rs 75 lakh.

The stadium was jam-packed and rooting for the home team. It seemed as if the Waveriders were not only battling the Rhinos on the pitch but also the thousands who were backing them from the stands.

Delhi were on target when Kiwi Simon Child trapped a pass from Matt Ghodes inside the Ranchi circle and his reverse hit put the visitors ahead in the 25th minute.

The search for an equaliser was always on for the Rhinos but the strong Delhi defence, led by skipper Sardar Singh, did not allow many openings.

Action from the final: Players of Ranchi Rhinos and Delhi Waveriders vie for the ball during final match of Hockey India League in Ranchi on Sunday

The hosts drew parity in the 55th minute through a variation with Austin Smith hitting the target. Mandeep Singh, was adjudged the most promising player of the tournament while Sardar was declared player of the tournament.

Earlier, the third-place playoff turned out to be a thrilling encounter with Raghunath leading from the front to snatch victory for the Wizards.

The captain scored a golden goal in the dying minutes of extra time to place his team third on the podium. Punjab Warriors were leading 3-0 in the second half when Raghunath began the strong comeback with a penalty corner conversion in the 42nd minute.